This blog is a result of the heavy censoring of the media by the military dictatorship regime.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Driti case highlights weaknesses of regime's immunity claim

DRITI: Convicted by Judge Madigan after found not guilty by three assessors. pic Republika.

We know the alleged initiator and purported architect of the aborted coup against Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum will not be prosecuted.

We also know the very same Mohammed Aziz has scuttled off to China while Pita Driti has been found guilty of sedition and inciting mutiny.

But as the United Front For A Democratic Fiji says

how come Driti, who was part of
the 2006 Bainimarama team that overthrew a constitutional government and is
supposedly covered under the
‘entrenched’ immunity provisions of the 2013 constitution, has been
‘excluded’ and put on trial?

The Coalition says if
a special decree was passed under section 161 of the 2013
constitution that excluded Driti from the protection he is supposed to
have enjoyed as a member of the 2006 Bainimarama team, why has that decree not
been made public?

The Coalition says it is ironic Driti is being found guilty of inciting mutiny against
an army Commander who overthrew a constitutional government.

"How
was it possible to have a trial where some of the key characters involved in
the alleged crime did not even make a court appearance?

"If Driti can be
charged and brought to court while supposedly being protected under the
immunity provisions, does this mean all those who have aided and
abetted the regime who think they are protected from prosecution, can also be
removed from immunity protection and prosecuted?"

74 comments:

Anonymous
said...

in the Animal Farm anything is possible because everyone is equal and some more equal!Fiji is now one big Animal Farm.so it shouldn't surprise anyone that some get prosecuted while others don't even though they were party to the commission of the same offence.this is the new justice system in the new Fiji.

Driti who plotted but did not kill the subject of the plot is charged guilty and soon will be sentenced.

But those who actually killed our citizens, tortured Fiji citizens, tortured and killed CRW personnel, cruelly tortured escapee prisoners...although well known to authorities have still yet to appear in court.

Bainimarama has not been touched or harmed!!,,but accused has been dragged through the kangaroo court laughable processes.

One law for the illegal PM and another subordinate law for the citizens.

The soldiers were giving the excuse that THEY CANT HELP THEMSELVES. THEY ARE JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS.And here it is, one does a mutiny or coup and gets away with it.And the other guy tries the same but doesn't get away with it.

SO WHICH ONE DO THE STUPID FIJIAN SOLDIERS FOLLOW?

Of course they don't know.

Because they are so stupid.

Their excuse of just following orders doesn't cut it anymore.HERE IS THEIR LANDFORCE COMMANDER BEING DRAGGED THROUGH THE COALS and they just stand by and watch!Why?Baleta ni sa rui levu ga na lamu kei na ulukau kei na vakilakila.Ni yavu sotia vutusona!

Anon@2.06PM. Fuck you and your analysis. Driti didn't kill anyone, Francis Kean did, but was released then given a high post. Bainimagasona and his illegal mob killed freedom in Fiji, they should be charged. Go to hell you cunt.

This is the only forum that allow us to voice our democratic RIGHTS without being punished/abused because the network of informers and "veiliumuritaki" is becoming stronger and stronger by day.

The illegal regimes knows too well that they will lose the election and pls get as much information (valid and true) to all because whta ever being discussed in this forum has been relayed to about 30% of the population.

Veikemuni na noda turga ni nuidei tiko ni vakayacora tikoga na i tavi e a kacivi kemuni kina na Kalou. E kalouca eso na noda turga ni ra sa mai rawai koto ena i lavo. this includes some Fiji elites...There has been a misconception that the young and education Fijian especially are buying to the Regimes' propaganda. This is not true-the young kai i Vitis are different brand of people altogether.

History always repeat itself-the young educated are the ones that will enforce more nationalistic ambitions.

The likes of the late Ravuama Vunivalu, Semesa Sikivou, Josua Rabukawaqa, Josevata Kamikamica, Semesa Sikivou, etc. Guys this is our blood as kai Viti. Our Land supposed to be for our future generation NOT being taken over by the Muslims, rich hoteliers and miners etc.

was flicking channels on my tv when I came upon the film The Big Bounce.It's not my kind of film so was about to change channel when a scene came on showing Fiji Water so decided to see what the film was about. the film wasn't much but I am glad I decided to stop because I caught Owen Wilson asking his co-actress " You want the truth or bullshit".It's a very profound question.Most people prefer bullshit because life is made simple. Truth complicates things. People don't want unnecessary complications in their lives. Fiji for instance did not have a military coup in 2006, it only had a "clean up". Now that the clean up has taken place everyone in Fiji is equal and equally happy and Fiji is about to even beat Singapore.

To you Nimilote I say this: Are you being selective? Are you being paranoid. Have you conveniently forgotten that Driti was there in the thick of it? Actively participating and supervising the tortures, murders and killings of innocent and defenseless HUMAN BEINGS!!Driti deserved what he got!! PERIOD!!

editor,The news that 7News crime reporter Robert Ovadia and 7News investigative producer Paula Doneman were jointly recognised last night with the TV/AV News Reporting Award for their investigation into the Australian Defense Force's "Knight of the Jedi Council" sex ring (Yahoo!7 News 29/11) makes me very happy because it's one of my favourite news stations.Shit happens in every Government and in the various institutions of state.But in a good democracy it cannot be swept under the carpet. And often it is the job of the media to make sure that does not happen and that any shit that happens is brought out into the open for public scrutiny and public debate.This is precisely what these journalists did in the ADF sex scandal case.Network Director of News Rob Raschke said " This is a fitting recognition for outstanding journalism, old fashion digging and a determination to shine the light into dark corners".He couldn't have put it more succinctly.Robert said "The greatest privilege in this job is to be entrusted by people risking their own livelihood to get the real story out there".I take this opportunity to thank the C4.5 blog site together with the other alternative media for doing their part in getting the real story on Fiji out into the public domain - to create an informed public.sincerely,Rajend Naidusydney

Driti should be sentenced because he was inciting mutiny against the government. Likewise Ro Kepa and Tui Cakau should be sentenced for supporting the 2000 coup. Apisai Tora should be jailed for life for making seditious comments in 1997. Rabuka cannot be charged because of the immunity clause in the constitution. Likewise Bainimara cannot be charged because he never did the coup in 2006. He followed the President;s mandate under doctrine of necessity. The President was the nominee of the Great Council of Chief. Ro Kepa is an adulteress and Tui Cakau a pedophile. What kind of chiefs are they? What examples are they setting to the new generation?

you can be a pedophile, serial adulteress, as long as as you anti indian you have our full support; if you hate indians, are our champion, we will turn a blind eye to everything; that's how warped and fucked up our thinking is.

Anon @ 12:14, speak for yourself. Or do you instead support thugs who overthrow our government, trample our rights and constitution, and press their jackboots on the heads of pregnant women lying prostrate in the dirt?

The Driti case is problematic for this regime on a number of different levels.

One doesn't need to be a genius to interpolate that for a crypto-fascist like Driti to be conspiring with a reactionary elitist like Tevita Mara against their fellow conspirator and co-treasonist Bainimarama, the disaffection against the Commodore must already run deep in the RFMF. How much deeper the disaffection amongst the rank and file who aren't so invested in Bainimarama's treason, in terms either of involvement or reward?

The principal, initial aim of Driti and Mara -- the purge of Sayed-Khaiyum -- is undoubtedly still a very popular idea amongst the rank and file and, in fact, most circles of Fijian society. Unless he takes a prudent early exit, ASK is destined to go down fast and hard.

The precedent being established by the Driti case also doesn't augur well for Bainimarama and his supporters. So long as he holds unquestioned, arbitrary power, legal precedent doesn't really matter. But such power tends to be highly ephemeral. Once it's gone, the precedent set in the Driti case could become highly relevant. The denial of amnesty to Driti, for example, might well mitigate against any assertion of amnesty by the present regime. Highly dubious and already-rejected appeals to "the doctrine of necessity" won't cut it with a future, impartial court asked to take up the issue of Bainimarama's treason and to pass sentence on what is normally a capital offence.

I very much remember that it was Driti who stood on the pregnant ladies stomach, at QEB top ground, at night, on Xmas eve, in the company of Voceke, Naliva and Rokoura.I was told that they ALL had orgasms watching what Driti doing! I am reliably told that they ALL had orgasms watching the torture!!

anon 1.22 PMyours is the kind of analysis that is mostly conspicuous by its absence here. thank you for that. and it will no doubt provide good food for thought for the coup makers who have come to believe - mistakenly - that they are immune from prosecution permanently.

At least one of the victms attested that Bainimarama had his boot on her head. Also, the principle of command responsibility would apply, makng Bainimarama responsible for the crimes of those under his command, especially since he took no steps to discipline them and even led them by his bad example.

Viliame Natewa: You are a real idiot. Bainimarama particuipate in the 2000 coup it was throgh his approval the CRW participate in the coup and secondly it was bainimarama who remove the executive authority the president in 2000 that complete the treason offence and thirdly Bainimarama back stabbed the CRW by distancing himself from the coup that causes the mutiny which almost caost him his life. Fortunately his feet saved him as he ran faster then the bullet.So wo should be charged. The 2013 constitution is illegal.for the following reaspons.1.The regimes existance is illegal as the court of appeal rules case of Qarase VS Bainimarama.2. The regime have no legal base or authority to write a constitution as they were not democratically elected by the people.3. The people were not involve or partiicipate in the process of formulating the constitution so they are lying when they say we the people of Fiji.4.The court has ruled the the 1997 can not be abrogated which means that it is still alive and that 1997 constitution was formulated by the demorcatically elected parliment with participation of the people. Viliame Natewa I hope you have a clear picture of what happen and who should be charged.Vinaka.

Viliame Natewa : Where did you get that idea that Bainimarama was folowing the mendate of the president. The President was forced by Bainimarama and the military to accept the coup Plan. Secondly the president was senile and was not fully aware of what he poushed into. The original coup plan was ceased by the police and the police are fully aware of what actually transpired between the then President, vise president and Bainimarama with co-horts.Yur said that the coup was necessary under the doctrine of necessity. I doi not think you understand what your are saying because this issue has been explained on so many occasions in this blog site yet you stil maintain that the coup was carried on the president mandate under the doctrine of necessity. You asre trying to justify the 2006 coup . that will never happen because the bainimarama coup has no justification what so ever , Clean up,corruption. bad economic situation all bullshit execuse.Since the 2006 coup the situation has gone worst,corruptuion,economy nose diving,abuse of powers and authotiry at its peak, instead of clean up its dirtier then ever.

USP's arse licker VC Rajesh Chandra continues to welcome and honour members of the illegal regime to USP events. This week Aiyaz Khaiyum was invited to open the ICT conference at Laucala campus. he was given the red carpet welcome by regime collaborator Rajesh Chandra. The President and VC of USP Rajesh Chandra is a key part of the regime's apparatus to gain international legitimacy. Rajesh Chandra is right up there with the other coup collaborators, treasonists and traitors.

Io vosa ca tiko Naliva your days are numbered the curse will come on you and you children likewise Bainimarama he might not leave to the the 2014 election and that when the fun will start. You Naliva will run and hide for your life because the people will come for you

USP's arse licker VC and President Rajesh Chandra putting out the red carpet for his political masters in the Fiji military regime is to be expected. He is after all a regime goli.But why does he look (in the Fiji Sun photo) like he is sitting on a vudi!Perhaps that is the way he looks all the time...

From the start Driti was a lose cannon. After taking part in one coup, he was plotting another, as if it is a picnic. Driti is exactly the type of military man this country does not need. As a soldier, he knew the risks of plotting a mutiny. If unsuccessful, you get killed, or sent to prison. Driti took the risk. He failed. He is now headed for prison. The safest place for this torturer is behind bars. Everyone is better off.

Judge Paul Madigan should be condamned for being influenced by AG in his decision in the case against Driti.The assessors were right in their verdict based on the the circumstantial evidence produces before the court.It a pity that the judge diviate from the asessors and it clearly indicate to the whole world that the Fiji judiciary is progovernment and far from independence and justice can not be served.

Yes, the Driti case is problematic for this regime on a number of different levels. One that hasn't been mentioned is the continuing possibility that some day Driti might be called to the stand as a witness against Baininamara.

History might not repeat itself, but it does often rhyme. Before sentencing Driti, the regime should remember that Driti might someday be asked to testify against it.

what the Driti case highlights big time is there are no permanent friends in politics, only permanent interests.Bai,Kai and company are doing all in their power - and they have all the power at this time - to preserve their special interests.what happens when they no longer have the powers that they have now is anybody's guess.

Next to go to jail is Roko Ului Mara who like Driti had ordered the bashing of numerous citizens. Them two are to prepare the jail for their once Commander in Chief, Frank and his side kick Aiyaz. Driti reaped what he sowed. Following the 2006 coup, he was arrogant and cocky and executed Franks orders until he wanted to take over from Frank. Rot in jail where you belong assole. LQ did the time and never complained once.

Well, finally the Fijian Rugby 7boys have won the Gold in Dubai!The New Zealand Coach made thebiggest mistake of his Rugby 7 carreerby removing all Fijian players from his starting lineup? He triedto change things in the Halftime,by injecting Fijian players, butit was a wee bit too late? Manythanks to Ben Ryan-a coach who knows how to cheer-on these littlerugby Gods?

Totolo Gautolo: Your contribution is very vague.Do you understand what you are talking about or you are just trying to make a senseless contribution wasting our time and energy because the value of the Fiji dollar is nothing.

I am amazed at the "tabetabe and masi polo" that is happening!!In spite of Vore talking publicly about "Customer Service and timely delivery" things have gone from worse to magatinana!Called the TLTB Nadi office yesterday AND they were all in Cuvu for the funeral!!Hello, life must go on!!

An excellent point by the UFDF. The Driti case puts VB in between a rock and a hard place because if VB prosecutes Driti (which he did) then the immunity provisions can be challenged after 2014. However, if VB did not prosecute Driti for the sake of protecting his (VB) unity in the RFMF, then VB would have been accused of being weak and indecisive therefore encouraging more overt resistance to VB from people within the RFMF and outside.

Either way, the VB bedrock is slowly becoming undone just like it became undone in other dictatorships. Unknown is the time when the dam completely bursts though it is getting closer day by day.

Where has the money gone ? : I am intrested on the issue you are commenting on.Has the regime release the Auditor Generals report from 2007 to date ? If So it woild be very intresting if you could draw up summary of all the discrepancies in sequence of date,year and ammount for the benefit and consumptions of wider audiences please.

Mandela is an extraodinary person.He became a victim of what he believes in.He spent 27 years in prisonbecause he believe that there should not be any dicrimination and that South Africa belongs to everybody either white or black and anyone either white or black can lead the country as long the leadership is attained through fare and democtaric process where the people are given their rights and freedom to elect those they want to lead their government.He became the first democratically elected President of South Africa.An Icon of Democracy. So long Mediba you have fulfill what you believe in and it is our only hope that our current leaders learn from you and do the same. May his soul rest in peace.

Ropate U : You saying that corrupt people should b e banned from public life and you are pointing at Jale Baba. Do you have any evidence to substantiate that allegation of curruption against Jale baba. If so then report it to the FICAC and hand the evidence to them so that the law takes it corse. but if you do nt have anything to support what you are saying that sbhut your big ugly stinking mouth.The onkly people whoi should be banned are Bainimarama and Kaiyum as they are filling their pocket through back hand,under the table deal, nepotisum and abuse of power.

Qarase is very similar to Mandela as he was trying to lift his own people likewise Mandela was fighting for his own people who were victim of discrimination and marginalisation by the white. Just like the native of Fiji they are poor, deprived and marginalised and time and again they were subject to hard labour and abused by the wellof business people. Unfortunately what Qarase was doing was seen as racism by the wealthy and business pundits which result in the obverthrow of his elected government and Qarase had to be jailed for a minor misdemenour case not even a criminal case Qarase took it like a man and served his jail term like Mandela served his time 27years in jail. The question is What about Bainimarama . He commit the highest crime Treason and he is shielding hiself fron thr immunity provision of the 2013 illegal constitution. If Bainimarama is fighting for a true corse then why is evading the law and using the military. It merely show how clamsy, weak and and coward he is.If you cant take it then why did you do it poofter, qauri.Look at Qarase he never said or show any adverse comment or reaction against Chaudry, or any race or even against Bainimarama or the illegal regime.He is silently carrying his cross and he will be triumph at the end of this race.Kalougata ko ira sa yalo malua ni ra na taukena na vanua.God bless Tui ko Buca You will regain your glory and god will take care of those who persecute and condamn you falsely.

Native of Fiji are poor? You joking right. 80% of the land is still owned by natives. Drive to Sawani etc and you find itaukei working for Chinese farmers. Why can't they cultivate their own land. I am sure they will be wealthy then the pundits. Levu ga na vucesa, na gunu yaqona.

Why isn't appealing his conviction on the basis of a Regime with no mandate? How can you commit treason or mutiny against a Regime which itself is illegal (confirmed by the 2009 Appeals Court decision).

Is the court a branch of the Regime, or is it an independent institution in Fiji. Someone should come up with evidence of the shenanigans of that mercenary drunkard Madigan.

This is an excellent opportunity to put a major embarrassment at the feet of the illegal Regime.

These guys have to be killed now..Bainimarama, aziz and kaiyum..they have to beheaded and shot in the head..somebody has to plan an execution plan for these guys..they are the culprit..Fiji..stand up and have these three beheaded..Kill them Fiji...kill them..they have to be killed..

Oilei, sounds like the same sadistic clowns blogging from abroad screaming for blood. Again. Or it could be regime loyalists spoiling for a fight so they can have an excuse to call off national elections. Not a chance. Enough is enough.

Too much blood has been shed in this country already, so any form of resistance (should elections be called off again in Sept 2014) must be NON-VIOLENT - it's the only true, tried and successful way to go ... and one must be ready to pay the ultimate price.

Which is why it's so critical that you hold on to your FAITH, fellow Christian peeps.. It'll help to keep you together and on track, for now and hereafter.. :D

llatest fiasco from rfmf golan heights..........2 female civilians aka nurses( nasi po) are pregnant. from married holligan soldiers......the army wives are going to have a field day with Qiliho & Beanmarama...this is t what is called transparency. all soldiers are posting this on their facebook pages. pauta nene......